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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between ASCUS and LSIL?

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The main difference between ASCUS and LSIL lies in the nature of the cell abnormalities found in the cervix:

  • ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance): This term indicates the presence of slightly abnormal squamous cells in the cervix during a pap smear. The atypical features in ASCUS are associated with life changes like pregnancy, menopause, or an infection.
  • LSIL (Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion): This term means that the cervical cells show changes that are mildly abnormal. LSIL is usually caused by an HPV infection that often goes away on its own. LSIL cells exhibit early size and shape changes that meet the criteria for a potential cancerous lesion.

Both ASCUS and LSIL are considered squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and can be detected through Pap smear tests. While ASCUS is a relatively more prevalent finding with cytomorphological features revealing higher nuclear atypia than reactive changes, LSIL is associated with a higher rate of total abnormal pathology and CIN2-3/ASC-HSIL compared to ASCUS. In some cases, ASCUS may be downgraded to LSIL or vice versa, depending on the interpretation of the pathologist.

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  • What is the Difference Between ASCUS and LSIL?
  • Comparative Table: ASCUS vs LSIL

    • Comparative Table: ASCUS vs LSIL

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance) and LSIL (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion):

    Feature ASCUS LSIL
    Cytomorphological features Cells may have equivocal nuclear features, making it difficult to determine if they are benign or malignant Cells have more distinct nuclear features, representing minor cellular aberrations due to acute or transient human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
    Nuclear size Nuclear size may be difficult to determine, as ASCUS cells can have varying sizes Nuclear size is smaller than LSIL cells, both in terms of cytoplasmic volume (maturity) and actual nuclear size
    Management Women with ASCUS results should undergo repeat cytological follow-up and possibly colposcopy Women with LSIL results should be referred for colposcopy examination
    Risk of higher-grade lesions ASCUS cells may have an increased risk of higher-grade lesions, but the interpretation is not definitive LSIL cells have a definitive interpretation, and patients with LSIL results should be referred for colposcopy

    Please note that these differences are based on the cytomorphological features of the cells and their management in clinical practice. The interpretation of ASCUS and LSIL results may vary depending on the pathologist and the patient's specific circumstances.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.